Salted Caramel Apple Crumb Bars
Buttery oat crumb bars layered with sliced apples, caramel sauce, and a golden streusel topping. A two-stage bake creates a firm base and tender, fruit-filled middle with crispy edges. Serve warm with ice cream or at room temperature for a handheld dessert.
Ingredients
- ⅝ cup butter, melted and cooled
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1 cup all-purpose flourgluten-free 1-to-1 flour1:1gluten-freegluten-free
may affect texture slightly
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 medium-large apples, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flourgluten-free 1-to-1 flour1:1gluten-freegluten-free
may affect texture slightly
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¾ cup caramel saucedulce de leche1:1similar flavor profile
slightly thicker consistency
- caramel sauce, for topping(optional)dulce de leche1:1similar flavor profile
slightly thicker consistency
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- 2
Line an 8-inch baking pan with heavy duty aluminum foil and spray with non-stick spray.
- 3
Whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth and sugar is absorbed.
- 4
Stir in flour, oats, baking soda, and salt with a wooden spoon until combined.
- 5
Sprinkle half the mixture into the prepared pan and press flat with hands.
- 6
Bake until set and golden on the edges, about 13 minutes. Remove and cool briefly.
- 7
Toss sliced apples with lemon juice and sugar, then sprinkle with flour and mix.
- 8
Layer apples over the crust.
- 9
Pour caramel sauce over the apples.
- 10
Crumble the reserved dough and sprinkle in small pieces over apples and caramel.
- 11
Bake until golden brown around the edges, about 30 to 35 minutes.
- 12
Serve warm with ice cream or cool and cut into squares.
Tips
Cool the melted butter slightly before combining with sugar to prevent the mixture from becoming grainy.
Press the first layer of crumb mixture firmly into the pan for a stable base.
Use a light hand when sprinkling the crumble topping to maintain texture.
Eat on the day of baking for best texture and flavor.
Good to Know
Covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Prepare and assemble through the caramel layer up to 4 hours ahead. Top with crumble topping and bake just before serving.
Warm with vanilla ice cream or cooled and cut into squares as a handheld dessert.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip cooling the butter or the brown sugar will not fully absorb, resulting in a greasy crumb texture.
Do not over-mix the dough or the bars will become dense rather than crumbly.
Do not omit the brief cooling between the base bake and apple layer or the filling may seep into the crust.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
may affect texture slightly
General Alternatives
slightly thicker consistency